Antonio Mariano Najera

Tony was born in Longmont CO on September 12 1944 to his parents Evaristo and Juanita Najera. Evaristo and Juanita raised seven children, Evaristo worked as a farmer and at the Lyons Quarry where Tony later worked with him.

Tony always spoke with reverence about his childhood and the times he spent working with his Dad. One of his favorite stories to tell was about the milk they would get from a local farmer. A thick layer of cream would build at the top of each bottle. He would say that his mom would spread the cream on a fresh tortilla for him in the morning. I’m almost certain that was his favorite meal, that and his wife Georgia’s chili which he would have happily eaten every day.

A proud Veteran, Tony served in the 101st airborne division of the United States Army. He was honored to have been given the opportunity to train cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The overarching theme of Tony’s life is that he loved his family and friends. His parents, Evaristo and Juanita. His Siblings; Lally, Martha, Lorenza, Virginia, Casey and Juanita. The love of his life and girl of his dreams, Georgia, who he credited for all his success. He would often say things like “Without Georgia I wouldn’t have a pot to piss in”. The love and adoration in his eyes on the day of their wedding is all one would need to see to know that she meant everything to him. He loved their two sons Tony Jr. and Mario. He loved his three grandchildren, Anthony III, Brandon and Gabby, and his two step grandchildren, Erin and Josh, and his great grandchild, Bryson - all of whom credit him for being a great teacher and providing an endless supply of support and guidance.

Tony was an entrepreneur and businessman who built a successful auto body business, Quality Auto Builders, with his son Tony Jr.. Tony Jr. and his grandson Brandon continue to run the business in Loveland Colorado.

Always the outdoorsman, the highlight of Tony’s day was going fishing or taking drives to spot elk with his son Mario.

Whether he was helping/teaching a family member or friend to build cars, shoot, hunt, fish, or simply watching with pride as they walked down the aisle to create families of their own - his presence was a constant source of love and security to all. He loved sitting on the back patio with all of his family and friends around barbequing, listening to oldies, telling stories, laughing and hoping the broncos won more games than not.

There are too many people that deserve mentioning and too many stories worth telling that can’t fit on these pages. To his family and friends he was a figure larger than life. He will be greatly missed and remembered.